When is Omizutori held?

Omizutori takes place every year from March 1st to March 14th, culminating in the most significant rituals in the last few days.

What are the main rituals during Omizutori?

The primary rituals of Omizutori include the dramatic fire ceremony called Otaimatsu, where giant torches are lit and paraded along the balcony of Nigatsu-do, and the sacred water drawing (Omizutori) from the Wakasa well on the final morning, believed to purify the temple and its devotees.

What is the significance of Omizutori?

Omizutori is believed to cleanse the sins of people, bring about personal renewal, and ensure a year of peace and health. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal for those who participate or observe.

Can tourists participate in Omizutori or is it only for locals?

Tourists are welcome to view the ceremonies and experience the event, though active participation in the rituals is generally reserved for the monks at Todaiji Temple.

A traditional Japanese wooden temple is shown at night with a large fiery torch, sending sparks and smoke into the air during an annual festival or ritual. Lanterns illuminate the lower level of the building.

A large fire torch emits bright sparks from a wooden balcony of a traditional Japanese temple at night, with people watching the event below.

A nighttime festival scene shows bright orange sparks and fire raining down from a wooden structure, illuminating a crowd of people watching below.

A large, flaming torch emits bright sparks near a wooden balcony at night, with part of the roof and a lantern visible above. The scene is illuminated by the intense fire against the dark background.

Bright orange sparks and trails of fire shoot through the night sky, creating dynamic, swirling patterns against a dark background, with some blurred lights visible to the left.

Omizutori (Shunie)

4.7 (31727)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 7, 2026

Omizutori, also known as the Water-Drawing Festival, is one of Japan's oldest and most spectacular Buddhist ceremonies. Held annually in early March at the historic Todai-ji Temple in Nara, this event has been celebrated for over 1,250 years, drawing crowds from across Japan and around the world.

The highlight of Omizutori is the dramatic and awe-inspiring fire ceremony, where massive torches, some weighing over 50 kilograms and measuring up to 8 meters long, are carried by monks up the temple's balcony. As the torches are paraded around and their embers cascade down in a shower of sparks, it is believed that these sparks cleanse the spectators from sin and impurities. The event symbolizes the arrival of spring and is thought to purify the temple and its visitors, ushering in a new year of renewal and growth.

On the final night of the festival, a quieter but equally significant ritual takes place, where sacred water is drawn from a well within the temple grounds. This water is said to have miraculous properties, ensuring good health and a long life for those who drink it.

Hours:

7:00 PM (March 1-11)

7:30 PM (March 12)

7:00 PM (March 13)

6:30 PM (March 14)

Closed:

Annually

Available:

Once a year

Minimum Age:

All Ages are welcome

Fees:

No Admission fee

Omizutori (Shunie)

4.7 (31727)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 7, 2026

Hours:

7:00 PM (March 1-11)

7:30 PM (March 12)

7:00 PM (March 13)

6:30 PM (March 14)

Closed:

Annually

Available:

Once a year

Minimum Age:

All Ages are welcome

Fees:

No Admission fee

Hours

Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone

+81 742-22-5511

Website

www.todaiji.or.jp

Traveler reviews

Visited Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara and experience was truly remarkable. The temple grounds are majestic and full of history, with the Great Buddha Hall being the highlight. Seeing the enormous bronze Buddha statue was awe-inspiring and left a lasting impression on both adults and children. The atmosphere is peaceful despite the popularity of the site, and the surrounding area with friendly deer roaming freely added a unique charm to the visit. The kids especially loved interacting with the deer, making the day both cultural and fun. Facilities were well maintained, and the pathways made it easy to explore as a family. The blend of spirituality, history, and nature created a memorable experience. Overall, Tōdai-ji is a must-visit landmark in Nara — perfect for families who want to experience Japan’s cultural heritage and enjoy a truly unforgettable day.

Deepak Sundaram

May 26, 2026

When we arrived in Hara I thought I was Templed and Shrined out but of all the temples we visited this was probably the most impressive. It is a huge wooden structure that in itself is incredibly impressive but the huge Buddhas and associated sculptures are extraordinary. Honestly worth a visit especially as you go through the amazing deer park to get there!

Peter Curtis

May 29, 2026

Absolutely breathtaking. Tōdai-ji is an enormous wooden temple, beautifully decorated inside and home to the spectacular Great Buddha. The scale of both the building and the statue is truly impressive. Children will especially enjoy crawling through the small hole at the bottom of one of the wooden pillars. It is said to be the same size as the Great Buddha’s nostril, and tradition says that anyone who manages to pass through it will receive good luck, good health or enlightenment in their next life. A fascinating and memorable place that is definitely worth visiting while in Nara.

Lon

Jul 19, 2026

The main grounds of Tōdai‑ji offer a wide, open environment that feels both historic and welcoming, and expanding on the experience reveals how much there is to appreciate. Walking through the pathways, you’re surrounded by a mix of traditional architecture, greenery, and the occasional deer wandering freely. The approach to the temple builds anticipation, with each gate and structure adding to the sense of entering a significant cultural site. The grounds are spacious enough that even with many visitors, you never feel overwhelmed. There’s a natural flow that guides you from one area to the next, making it easy to explore without feeling rushed. The combination of nature and temple buildings creates a peaceful atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and take everything in. You notice small details—stone lanterns, wooden textures, and the way the rooftops curve against the sky. The grounds also offer great vantage points for photos, especially when the weather is clear. It’s a place where you can spend time reflecting, observing, or simply enjoying the surroundings. The overall experience feels balanced, meaningful, and memorable, and it sets the perfect tone before entering the Great Buddha Hall.

Jonathan Phan

Jun 27, 2026

One of the most impressive cultural and spiritual landmarks in Japan. The scale of Todai-ji is difficult to appreciate until you stand in front of it—the Great Buddha Hall is enormous, and the craftsmanship of the wooden architecture is breathtaking. Walking through the temple grounds feels both peaceful and humbling. Inside, the Great Buddha is truly awe-inspiring. The statue’s size, detail, and presence create a powerful atmosphere that photos can hardly capture. I also enjoyed observing the smaller statues and intricate wooden structures that showcase centuries of history and artistry. Even with many visitors, the temple retains a sense of calm and reverence. If you’re visiting Nara, this is an essential stop and one of the most memorable historical sites in Japan. Allow yourself enough time to explore both the temple and the surrounding park area. A remarkable place where history, spirituality, and architecture come together beautifully. 🇯🇵⛩️🙏